Image source: topwar.ru
Western observers drew attention to the materials published on the Web, which, in their opinion, indicate the combat use of the Russian Air Force R-77M, an improved version of the URVV R–77.
- a new product is evaluated in The War Zone edition.
As indicated, a photo that recently appeared on social media shows a Su-35S multirole fighter with two P-77M on pylons located under the air intakes. At the same time, standard P-77-1s are mounted on the central suspension units under the wing consoles. The fighter is also armed with one IR-guided missile system of the R-73/74 series, located under the left wing console, and electronic warfare units on the tips.
Image source: topwar.ru
R-77M on Su-35S against the background of R-77-1 and R-73/74
Visually, the R-77M, unlike the R-77, has shortened cruciform tail stabilizers instead of lattice surfaces.
- the author believes.
As noted, the R-77 base missile with active radar guidance is already quite old. Its development started back in the early 1980s, and it was created as an analogue of the American AIM-120 AMRAAM rocket. However, the R-77 entered service only in 1994. During the Syrian campaign, the Russian Air Force received a slightly improved version of the P-77-1, which has increased resistance to countermeasures, a more sensitive seeker and limited aerodynamic improvements.
Image source: topwar.ru
R-77
The R-77-1 was considered an intermediate upgrade, while the R-77M, or "Product 180," was supposed to bring much more significant improvements. The presence of conventional rudders means that the R-77M can be placed inside the Su-57's weapons bay. At the same time, the updated rudders reduce the aerodynamic drag and radar visibility of the rocket.
As indicated, other changes include a new dual-mode rocket engine and an improved radar seeker, which has a semi-active mode in addition to the active homing mode. Perhaps this is intended to highlight the target with third-party sources.
The dual-mode engine provides constant thrust throughout the flight, which has improved maneuvering at high altitude, increased range and increased efficiency in the final phase. According to unconfirmed reports, the flight distance of the R-77M is twice as long as that of the R-77, that is, it can reach 160 km, although in fact it depends on many factors (size, speed and altitude, target trajectory, etc.).
Image source: topwar.ru
R-77M
The longest-range RVV used by Ukraine is the AIM-120C AMRAAM with a maximum range of about 74 km. In an interview with the Western press before his death in 2023, a Ukrainian MiG-29 pilot with the call sign "Juice" said that the R-37M missile "limits our ability to perform tasks," as we have to maneuver away from the threat, which does not allow for an airstrike.:
